The holiday season can bring joy, fun and great memories—but it can also invite a little chaos and clutter into your home. Here at A Hand to Help, we believe that with a little planning and a few clever organising strategies, you can have a holiday that’s memorable for all the right reasons.
Let’s look at some keyways to keep things under control before, during, and after the Holiday Season so you can focus on what matters most: rest and time with loved ones.
1. Before The Holiday Season:
Planning Ahead for a Clutter-Free Season
Planning is the foundation of a calm and organised holiday season. Here are some strategies for getting ahead of the holiday rush:
- Declutter & Organise Decorations:
Bringing the decorations out, allows you sort through them before decorating. Donate or discard anything broken, outdated, or no longer loved. Now you’re ready to decorate! - Shop at Home for Gift Ideas:
It is not uncommon to find unwanted or prepurchase gifts in homes that have been forgotten. Shop at home first to find these treasures before heading to the shops.
Homemade gifts are heartfelt and meaningful. Look around your home for inspiration: baked goodies, assemble a “biscuits-in-a-jar” gift, or propagate plants as personalized presents. Not only are these fun to make, but they’re also budget-friendly and clutter-free! - Gift Wrap with Care:
Opt for creative, eco-friendly wrapping options like reusable fabric gift wraps, tea towels, or recycled bags. Not only do these add a unique touch, but they also reduce waste. These options are also easier to store without accumulating a pile of leftover wrapping paper and plastic ribbons.
2. During The Holiday Season:
Keeping Clutter Under Control
With everyone at home, new gifts arriving and lots of festive activities, it’s easy for clutter to accumulate. Here are some tips to stay on top of it:
- Keep Gift Wrapping Supplies Organised:
You may not be able to wrap everything before. So, if you’re wrapping as you go, keep all supplies in one spot. A small basket or box with wrap, scissors, tape and ribbons will save you time. Having everything in one place also helps minimize mess and makes tidying up faster. - Stay on Top of the Rubbish:
With the excitement of opening gifts, wrapping paper, tags, and packaging can pile up quickly. Designate a bag or box to collect recyclable paper and encourage everyone to take turns with trips to the recycling bin. Staying on top of recycling and rubbish helps maintain a clean, clutter-free space. - Focus on Family and Fun Over Perfection:
Sometimes, the stress of the holiday season comes from wanting everything to be picture-perfect. Give yourself permission to relax and remember that the most important part of the holidays is spending time with family and friends. Small imperfections won’t matter in the end—cherished moments and happy memories will!
3. After The Holiday Season:
Packing Up with Purpose
Once the holiday season winds down, it’s time to pack up with an eye on making next year’s setup easy and stress-free. This end-of-season organisation will help ensure that next year’s holidays start on the right note.
- Sort and Label as You Pack:
Pack decorations by category or by the area they go in (e.g., “Tree Decorations,” “Mantel Decor,” “Outdoor Lights”) and label all sides and the top of each box. This way, you can unpack in an organised way next year, saving time and keeping stress to a minimum. - Store Thoughtfully:
Sturdy containers or boxes will protect your decorations while in storage. Store in a designated holiday storage area, such as a garage or cupboard, to keep your home clutter-free year-round. - Declutter Gifts and Old Items:
The holidays often bring a flood of new items from kitchen gadgets to toys. Take the opportunity to review what you already have and donate or discard items that you no longer need. Making space for new things will help keep clutter at bay.
Make It a Holiday Tradition
Organising for the holidays doesn’t have to feel like a chore. In fact, with these practices in place, you can create an annual tradition of planning and preparing as a family, setting up, celebrating, and then winding down with the new year. This tradition of intentional preparation and mindful storage will help you enjoy a smoother, stress-free holiday season each year.
Wishing you a joyful, clutter-free Holiday Season from all of us at A Hand to Help!
